Fiber Optics Technician

A well trained Fiber Optics Technician is in DEMAND in today's job market! A fiber optics technician maintains fiber optic cable systems that carry both voice and digital transmissions. They install the cables following precise schematics, they locate and repair defects in existing systems, placing, rearranging, and removing cables when necessary. They also install supports and insulation and perform other tasks to maintain cables. With computer networks, these technicians run the cable through the office building to connect computers.

Individuals who choose a career as a fiber optic technician may work in a multitude of settings applying their knowledge of fiber optics operation, networking and routing integrity. They are responsible for maintaining fiber optic cable quality as well as pulling, terminating and repairing telecommunication cables. In some settings, fiber optic technicians may also be involved in testing and telephone utility room work.

There are several types of jobs and job descriptions which one can fulfill with this type of training:

Telecommunications Cabling Technician ( Inside plant)
This position is one of many talents. It is a construction-oriented position. The technician will come in contact with various cable types and must understand how to install, terminate and test all of them. This technician should understand the industry standards of installation as well as the National Electric Code. A good technician will be familiar with various products to be able to make suggestions in different situations and overcome adversity.

Fiber Optic Installer (Outside Plant)
The fiber optic installer/technician is more physically demanding than an assembler's job however it is much less physically demanding than a telephone or copper cable installer. Fiber is light weight in comparison with copper cable. Pulling fiber cable off large reels is usually done with machinery. A back hoe machine digs up the fiber to ground level so the installer/technician can do his job. It usually means that he sits on the ground to repair the fiber. Digging trenches to lay the fiber is also done by machinery. The fiber installer generally works in his van to prepare the cable for installation. No heavy lifting is required.

Fiber Optic Assembler (Manufacturing)
The fiber optic assembler, who sits at a table or bench, only needs to be able to see well. Corrective lenses are fine. In most cases a small microscope is required for inspection. Good manual dexterity would be a plus. The assembler gets up frequently to cut and measure the fiber, get connectors and test the cable. No heavy equipment is used.

Too many courses teach obsolete theory and practice, out of obsolete textbooks! The NCTC courses use hands on training and show the differences between the various appications of the skills so the student can intelligently work in today's fiber optics cable environment. Another focal point in the program is to offer a general, easy to understand approach to fiber optics testing standards. We attempt to explain the variety of testing standards, equipment and technological approaches used in fiber network testing and how to choose among them. Many courses are criticized because they are too specific or prejudiced to one application, technology or manufacturer. We explore the overall spectrum of testing and maintenance of fiber optics networks and strive to provide a better comfort level for our students with regards to testing and maintenance of both single mode and multi mode fiber optics networks.